]]>COLUMBUS—The Ohio House Republican Organizational Committee (OHROC) is calling on Democrat candidate Jessica Miranda to explain to the voters of the 28th District what appears to be multiple state investigations into her businesses. Miranda is the CEO of an auto insurance company, which she co-owns with her husband and that does business under the names Uno Tax LLC and Fiesta Auto Insurance and Tax.

Recently unveiled records indicate that the Department of Public Safety conducted at least three investigations against the company based on reports of suspicious transactions. The investigations revealed that many of the businesses to which the cars were registered did not exist or were listed at addresses found to be uninhabited.

During an investigation in 2011, a high-level employee was questioned why the company had notarized a filing, despite there being a mismatch between the signature on the social security card and the filing.

The employee, believed to be Jessica Miranda, referred the investigator to her attorney, Louis Valencia. Valencia later stated that he and the interviewee served on the board of directors of a non-profit organization that helps the immigrant community. Valencia is a founder and board member of the Latino Coalition of Southwest Ohio. Miranda is a board member of the same organization.

Valencia indicated that he is “well aware of the financial benefits she is reaping from the illegal immigrant community by acting as a title runner.”

Many fraudulent registrations were canceled as a result of the investigations.

“The documents detailing the investigations raise major concerns about Jessica Miranda’s integrity, as well as her ability to serve the district in an honest and trustworthy way,” said OHROC spokesman Brad Miller. “The voters of the 28th District deserve a full explanation from Jessica Miranda into why her company was subject to these numerous investigations.”

The 28th House District includes the northern suburbs of Hamilton County.

]]>Last week, House Speaker Ryan Smith and Senate President Larry Obhof joined other legislative leaders in a press conference to call into question some of Democrat gubernatorial candidate Richard Cordray’s spending proposals, which would cost upwards of $4 billion beyond the state’s current fiscal capacity.

And there is reason to stay the course that Republican leadership have paved over the past eight years, rather than return to the job-destroying, tax-raising policies of Ted Strickland and Democrat control.

Since 2011, Ohioans have created more than 560,000 new private-sector jobs, the state’s unemployment rate has been cut nearly in half and the state’s reserve fund – which back then contained less than a dollar – now holds $2.7 billion.

Then, last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, from September 2017 to September 2018, Ohio added 104,600 new jobs. That is the best September-to-September job-creation total in Ohio since 1997. That means that someone born during the last time Ohio enjoyed such robust economic expansion could today legally drink a beer to celebrate all the new jobs that have been created. To them, we say, “Cheers!”

Everyone already knew there was a lot at stake in this year’s election, which now sits just two weeks away. If campaigning is a marathon, then we’re about to hit mile marker 25 – and the finish line is right around the corner.

]]>Battle Line Issue 14: Political ads on full displayhttps://www.ohroc.com/political-ads-on-full-display/
Tue, 16 Oct 2018 08:03:13 +0000https://www.ohroc.com/?p=2665Two things are certain when it comes to political ads during any campaign season: 1.) There will be a lot,...

]]>Two things are certain when it comes to political ads during any campaign season: 1.) There will be a lot, and 2.) People will complain.

That’s just the nature of the business.

But despite any gripes or grumblings, one more thing is true about TV and radio ads: They are effective.

And as much as some viewers may dispute it, the most effective ads are not just the ones that highlight the flattering facts about one candidate. They also often need to show a distinct difference between the candidates Ohioans should vote for (ours!) and the candidates Ohioans should vote against (not ours!).

As you could see in last week’s Battle Line, OHROC is airing a few contrast ads in competitive districts around the state. We added another this week in Cuyahoga County, as you can see below.

People in the real world usually refer to these kinds of ads as “negative.” Whatever floats your boat, but what is most important to keep in mind is that the ads are factual and do not make personal attacks against the opposing candidate or their families. And, finally, if a candidate believes in something or has done something that might make them unworthy of serving in public office, then the voters deserve to know that information prior to casting their ballots.

]]>Despite Democrats’ best efforts to convince us otherwise, Ohioans know that voting in our state is easy and accessible. In fact, beginning tomorrow, Ohioans can begin casting their ballots for the 2018 General Election. That equates to 28 days during which you can either vote in person or mail in an absentee ballot.

Of course, you can also go the traditional route and vote on Election Day too. But no matter when you decide to vote, remember to do so only once.

While this may sound obvious to just about everyone, we take you back just a few years ago. During a voting rights rally in Cincinnati, Rev. Al Sharpton, some Democrat members of the Ohio General Assembly and other left-wing advocates cheered a woman who was charged with voter fraud after she voted for President Obama multiple times. They even called her a “hero.”

Go back a little further and you might recall former Democrat state senator and Bernie Sanders supporter, Nina Turner, who in a robocall once encouraged Ohioans to “Vote early, vote often, vote Democrat.”

Here at OHROC, we encourage people to vote early if you wish. But voting often and voting Democrat? Now that’s particularly bad advice.

]]>Battle Line Issue 12: Surprise, it’s October!https://www.ohroc.com/battle-line-issue-12-surprise-its-october/
Tue, 02 Oct 2018 17:47:53 +0000https://www.ohroc.com/?p=2657In politics we often hear about the “October Surprise,” an event or series of events that voters may not have...

]]>In politics we often hear about the “October Surprise,” an event or series of events that voters may not have foreseen happening that can change the complexion of a race.

Sometimes, however, October’s very first surprise is merely its arrival. Yes, candidates have been working for most of the year – if not longer – on their respective campaigns, and, with 35 days until the election, there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

But seeing the calendar flip to October still carries with it its own jolt of energy, as voters will begin casting their ballots next week. From there, it is full throttle until the end.

The best thing to do during the remainder of the campaign is simply to keep working hard, knocking on doors until fingers are raw and feet are sore.

No matter what you have read about this election cycle thus far, know this – if Democrats expect us to let up even a little bit over the next month, we’ve got one word for them: Surprise!

]]>Battle Line Issue 11: To good health…and candy!https://www.ohroc.com/ohroc-battle-line-issue-11-to-good-health-and-candy/
Tue, 25 Sep 2018 17:42:29 +0000https://www.ohroc.com/?p=2652As of late Saturday summer is officially over, and it feels like the weather has followed the directive. With the...

]]>As of late Saturday summer is officially over, and it feels like the weather has followed the directive. With the days growing ever shorter and the air less humid (we can only hope), Ohio residents and news outlets are beginning to shift more and more attention to Ohio’s General Election on November 6th.

This even includes taking a closer look at candidates’ health and well being as we approach the final 40 days of the campaign cycle. According to their respective doctors, both candidates for governor are in good health. The Associated Press reported this news just yesterday. Of course, Ohioans could have known this information earlier if Democrat Richard Cordray had met the AP’s deadline of almost a full month ago.

Cordray’s defense: He was “having trouble finding time to get to the doctor.” So while his health may be strong, his time management seems highly questionable.

If you think that’s nitpicky, then just know that we are happy the candidates are both in good health. We want what is best for all Ohioans.

To that point, however, no doctor has yet condoned the health or lifestyle of the staff at OHROC. Campaign life isn’t full of fresh fruits and vegetables, let’s put it that way. But, as the photo below illustrates, we do consume a very colorful diet!

]]>Embarrassed by Their Own Failed Candidate, Ohio House Democrats Resort to Cheap Smear Tactics in 37th District Racehttps://www.ohroc.com/embarrassed-by-their-own-failed-candidate-ohio-house-democrats-resort-to-cheap-smear-tactics-in-37th-district-race/
Tue, 25 Sep 2018 14:41:57 +0000https://www.ohroc.com/?p=2649COLUMBUS—Ohio House Democrats have resorted to smear tactics in the 37th House District against Republican Mike Rasor to distract voters...

]]>COLUMBUS—Ohio House Democrats have resorted to smear tactics in the 37th House District against Republican Mike Rasor to distract voters from their own failed, flawed candidate Casey Weinstein.

Yesterday, the Ohio House Democratic Caucus smeared Rasor in a vicious personal and professional attack regarding a matter with a former client. In reality, when Rasor and his law firm found their client to be lying to them, they responded honorably and appropriately, immediately severing their relationship with the client. There has not even been a hearing on claims made against the law firm, which is appealing the recent decision.

Ohio Democrats are clearly jumping at any opportunity to engage in negative campaigning to cover up the faults of their candidate. Democrat Casey Weinstein, whom Summit County residents rejected by nearly 15 percentage points just two years ago, has missed one out of every five votes as a member of Hudson City Council. When he did show up, he supported raising fees on city residents, as well as supporting a pay raise for himself.

In addition, Weinstein filed a lawsuit against the United States military in 2004 when cadets wanted to watch a religious film. A federal judge ultimately tossed out the lawsuit.

“It is disappointing, though not surprising, that House Democrats are attempting to impugn Mike Rasor and make political hay out of an issue that is nowhere near being settled or finalized,” OHROC Spokesman Brad Miller said. “What voters of the 37th District are most interested in is what candidates will do if elected to serve on their behalf. Casey Weinstein’s no-show record on Hudson City Council is not the kind of resume that should earn him the trust of Summit County voters.”

]]>Battle Line Issue 10: NO on Issue 1https://www.ohroc.com/battle-line-issue-10-no-on-issue-1/
Tue, 18 Sep 2018 18:53:42 +0000https://www.ohroc.com/?p=2644Issue 1, the constitutional amendment bankrolled by out-of-state billionaires like George Soros, would prove to be a raw deal for Ohioans should...

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor has said that Issue 1’s provisions would leave Ohio with “some of the most lenient drug crime laws in the nation.” It would also hogtie judges and legislators when it comes to handling these issues moving forward.

As Ohio continues to grapple with the tragic effects of lethal drugs like fentanyl and heroin, approval of Issue 1 would be a step backwards in the ongoing effort to help the addicted find the treatment they need.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine has taken a firm stance in opposition, which, as Toledo Blade columnist Tom Troy writes, puts him “on the side of most of the judges, prosecutors, sheriffs, and chiefs of police, and even the Ohio Bar Association.”

Finally, even if, with further review, some of the provisions contained in the constitutional amendment do possess some merit, they should be addressed separately and comprehensively over time – not rushed through in one gigantic ballot measure. As Governor Kasich’s office rightly said last week, “These complex issues deserve a full discussion in the Ohio General Assembly.”

]]>BOWLING GREEN—Recently uncovered Facebook posts by Aidan Hubbell-Staeble, the Democrat candidate for Ohio’s 3rd House District, reveal that he has described police officers as “murderers,” “monsters” and even as a “death squad.” He also shared a Facebook post earlier this year that alluded to law enforcement as being racist.

Hubbell-Staeble’s comments, posted over the past three years, appear to have been deleted from his personal Facebook account shortly after being nominated for the 3rd District seat by the Wood County Democratic Party. The 3rd District covers all of Wood County.

“Our police officers are heroes who deserve respect, but Aidan Hubbell-Staeble clearly views them much differently,” said OHROC spokesman Brad Miller. “Aside from running for public office, he is clearly also trying to run from his past remarks, which are derogatory and offensive towards brave law enforcement officers. These radical views do not belong in the Ohio House of Representatives and do not reflect the values of Wood County residents.

The anti-police Facebook statements, shown below, were posted July 6, 2016 and December 8, 2017. The post he shared was dated May 21, 2018.

]]>Battle Line Issue 9: Remembering 9/11https://www.ohroc.com/battle-line-issue-9-remembering-9-11/
Tue, 11 Sep 2018 18:45:55 +0000https://www.ohroc.com/?p=2641It seems we say it every year: “It is hard to believe it has been ‘X’ years since the terrorist...

]]>It seems we say it every year: “It is hard to believe it has been ‘X’ years since the terrorist attacks of September 11th.”

Today that number reaches 17. Nearly two decades have now passed since the tragic events that killed nearly 3,000 Americans and wounded 6,000 more.

The attacks themselves were concentrated at the World Trade Towers, the Pentagon and – thanks to the courage of heroic Americans who sacrificed their own lives to save countless others – a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. But the effects and aftermath of that day spread not only throughout America, but the entire world.

You will see the phrase “Never Forget” displayed often today and this week. Though it is hard to imagine that is even possible. Anyone who witnessed that day knows that those images will remain a part of them for the rest of their lives.

The anniversaries that follow – like this one – are just a number; the memories of the pain and sorrow suffered that crisp September day, remain as vivid as ever.